Mario Delmonico Giovanni Boni

Beloved more than one can imagine by his family and friends, Mario was too valuable and wonderful a young man to have left us so soon. He was a loving person who was loved by everyone who knew him.

Born in Santa Monica, he grew into adolescence in Los Angeles, and then moved with his family to Montreal when his father received employment as a writer in Canadian television. He and the family moved to Durham in 2003, where he attended Jordan High School and completed his high school degree at Durham Technical College.

He then went to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the music business, receiving his certificate in the UCLA program of recording arts. He struggled there, but was happily doing what he loved most – making music. It was his passion, Brian Wilson his god. He loved the New York Giants and loved to laugh, believing that “funny trumps all.”

He came to Durham to spend Christmas with the family. His time here, as short as it was, gave us all great joy and satisfaction.

His friends and colleagues both here and from Los Angeles are with us to say that in his short time on earth he captured so much magic that it illuminated all around him.

Mario is survived by his parents, John and Donna Boni of Durham, his sisters, Sasha Hoffman and husband, John, of Fairfax, VA; and Gabrielle Boni of Greensboro.

Funeral Services will be held 2pm Thursday, January 3, 2013 in the Chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, 1113 W. Main Street, Durham, NC 27701.

Friends may visit from 6:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.

Condolence Messages

Words can not express our sorrow for all those that loved Mario as we did. We will miss those “under the breath” remarks that got only the few that were close enough to hear laughing. Donna, John, Sasha, Gabby, and John, as well as Mario’s friends on both sides of the country and in Canada, we all pray for Mario and strength to hold on to the memories and stories about Mario so that he may live on in us. We love you. Charles, Laura, Elizabeth, Emily and Garrett.

I only knew Mario for a short time. I was ill, he came to sit with me while I got better. I was old enough to be his grandfather yet we connected like buddies. He was a special young man, one that I will miss in my life. My heart felt sympathies go out to John and Donna. Your son touched the heart of all those he came in contact with.

Donna,when we sat together at Southlight’s Christmas lunch, you told me about Mario. I could easily detect the love and pride you have for your children. Your pain I cannot imagine, but please know that I am so sad for you and your family. I hope you find comfort during these upcoming difficult times.

Oh how my heart aches for your wrenching loss – I can not imagine. Your family holds such a special place in our lives and we want you to know that our hearts are with you at this most difficult time. Mario will always remain in our memories as a youngster; a spirited red haired boy running after his big sisters. We send our condolences and a warm embrace.

Oh how my heart aches for your wrenching loss – I can not imagine. Your family holds such a special place in our lives and we want you to know that our hearts are with you at this most difficult time. Mario will always remain in our memories as a youngster; a spirited red haired boy running after his big sisters. We send our condolences and a warm embrace.

Frank and I want to share our loving condolences as we share your pain. We join in mourning the loss of such a shining spirit with so much potential, who had already given so much to the world and to those he loved. We are with you in spirit, as we hope and believe Mario will be always.

Donna….I can’t imagine the pain you and the family are going through….people are supposed to die in order… Burying a child has to be the worst pain a parent suffers in life….our prayers will continue to be with you and the family …..sincerely, jack rivers